Gene Drive: 21st Century Genetic Control of Agricultural and Public Health Pests

Dr. Andrew Roberts, Deputy Executive Director, delivered the presentation Environmental Risk Assessment of Gene Drive Insects at the Section Symposium: Gene Drive: 21st Century Genetic Control of Agricultural and Public Health Pests, which took place during the 2018 Entomology Society of America Annual Meeting in Vancouver, Canada.

More detailed information about the session is available on the Entomological Society of America website

Introductory RemarksDavid A. O'Brochta, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (Organizer)Blair D. Siegfried, University of Florida (Organizer)
Scott T. O'Neal, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Moderator)Peter D. Jensen, Monsanto Company (Moderator)

Natural Selfish Genetic Elements and Gene Drive - Their Relevance to EvolutionGerald S. Wilkinson, University of MarylandKimberly Paczolt, University of MarylandJosephine Reinhardt, University of New York

Engineered Gene Drives - Types and MechanismsOmar Akbari, University of California, San Diego

The potential to use gene drive mechanisms to address intractable public health problems caused by vector-borne diseases has been of interest to scientists for decades, but recent advances in molecular biology have brought this idea closer to feasibility and consequently into the public consciousness. To begin discussions in Africa that will facilitate the consideration of potential future use of gene drive technologies to control malaria, the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) organized a series of regional consultations taking place in 2016-2018. Drawing from his experience in facilitating problem formulation exercises at these consultations, as well as other sources, I will share some of my own conclusions about the utility (and the necessity) of applying an organized scoping process like problem formulation to better inform the risk assessment process, especially as it relates to new technologies or new uses of technology. I will also review commonly identified assessment endpoints that can provide guidance to future risk assessments for gene drive mosquitoes. These include potential alterations to vectorial capacity that might impact human or animal health, the potential for aquatic larvae to influence water quality, and the potential for harm resulting from altered ecosystem interactions.

This site uses cookies to provide you with a personalized browsing experience. By clicking “I Agree” or continuing to use the site you agree to allow cookies to be placed and accept the terms set out in our Privacy Policy. Please read the Privacy Policy for more information on how we handle information collected from users and how you can control the use of such information. Cookie settingsI Agree

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.